Rather than looking for a winter sun holiday destination this year, we decided to take a short break nearer to home… much nearer! And rather than worrying about the weather in the UK in October, we decided to embrace it.

For us the Isle of Wight is less than 2 hours away and that includes the short half hour ferry trip to the island from the beautiful town of Lymington.

The prices for Bed and Breakfast accommodation on the Isle of Wight at this time of the year are cheaper and I think we managed to find a real gem in the form of Rosemary Cottage located in the pretty of village of Newchurch in an area known as Langbridge. Whilst not on the beach, it is about 5min drive away, or if you like cycling or walking you can use the disused railway line that now forms part of the National Cycle Network and known as ‘Route 23 and runs right next to Rosemary Cottage.

The Cottage itself is wonderfully presented and has be restored to the highest standard. Our bedroom was everything that you would hope for and more, but the real selling point for us was the lounge that looks over a fantastic garden with it’s large pond. On our last morning a heron landed on the weeping willow and then made it’s way down to the pond, looking for breakfast.

On both of our nights, we took the short walk up the hill into the village on Newchurch and to The Pointer Inn pub, a cosy place that offers fantastic home cooked food and real ales at what I would call reasonable prices. I am not the only person who thinks this as it has won ‘Island Lifes’ Dining Pub of the Year 2 years in a row.

Overall a fantastic place to stay on the Isle of Wight and one that I cannot recommend enough.

For more details take a look at their website: www.rosemarycottagebreaks.co.uk